Insta360 debuted the Insta360 Pro 2, a professional VR camera whose six lenses capture every angle of a scene and produce 8K-per-eye 3D 360-degree video. The company, which first introduced a VR camera in 2017, explains that the Insta360 Pro 2 features FlowState stabilization, long-range live monitoring, the ability to deliver 8K VR regardless of the playback device, and simpler post production via a partnership with Adobe. Shooting modes include 8K 3D at 30 fps, 8K monoscopic at 60 fps, 6K 3D at 60 fps, and 4K 3D at 120 fps.

VentureBeat reports that, “new in-camera HDR keeps lighting natural even when it varies in every direction, and i-Log mode is optimized for maximum flexibility in post-production coloring.”

The company made a point of stressing that the Pro 2 camera, which is priced at $4,999, avoids creating nausea in viewers due to its in-camera stabilization, FlowState, which offers “gimbal-level, pro-quality stabilization with no gear necessary.” The “ultra-precise gyroscope … tracks motion on nine axes, and then – when paired with Insta360’s software innovations – allows creators to stabilize their footage down to a hair, automatically.”

Insta360 stated that it has addressed another problem inherent in VR: how to direct a scene without being on set. Rather than the typical Wi-Fi monitoring solution (which is unreliable), Insta360 offers its Farsight technology, “a 360-degree live monitoring system that offers a high-definition, low-latency video stream that’s optimized for long-distance previewing” — in this case, about 300 meters. Farsight transmits at 5.1Ghz and “uses smart channel switching to ensure it always cuts through the noise.”

Adobe Premiere Pro, integrated with the camera, provides for “convenient stitching and editing.” The Pro 2 “automatically saves a low-res proxy version, in addition to the full-quality footage … [and] the proxy files will be automatically recognized and stitched instantly to let creators preview their final project.” The Pro 2, which also features four built-in mics, USB and 3.5mm audio outputs on top and bottom, weighs 3.42 pounds, including the battery and antennae.

Insta360’s CrystalView technology also allows the user to convert the 8K content to playback “on any mainstream smartphone or headset.” Insta360 Store, B&H Photo Video and select retailers are accepting pre-orders.